DescriptionThe School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning (SGSUP) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible, tenure-eligible or tenured associate or full Professor. The successful candidate will also be appointed as the Director of the university's Urban Climate Research Center (UCRC, https://ucrc.asu.edu/).
We seek a visionary leader to champion the mission of the Urban Climate Research Center, drive its strategic growth, and elevate its global reputation. The UCRC Director reports to the School Director and serves at their discretion, ensuring close institutional alignment and a shared commitment to the School's broader goals. The successful candidate will be a leader in the field of urban climate. ASU has established an exceptional reputation for urban climate research and leadership, with many notable urban climate scientists placed within SGSUP and across the university. We are seeking applicants to strengthen this reputation and contribute to teaching and scholarship in one of the following areas: Meteorology/Climate Science, GIS/Remote Sensing, or Urban Environmental Planning. The successful candidate may bring expertise in a wide range of relevant methodological approaches, including those rooted in physical observations, atmospheric modeling, dynamics of human-environment interactions, and/or planning/governance analysis.
In addition to responsibilities as the UCRC Director, the successful candidate will also contribute to teaching in SGSUP's undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Geography, GIS, and/or Urban Planning, across a variety of modalities (in-person, hybrid, and online). The expected workload distribution for the UCRC Director is 50% research, 20% teaching (2 courses/year), and 30% service. The position is designated as in-person and is located on the Tempe campus.
Essential Functions:- Serve as Director of the Urban Climate Research Center, reporting to and in coordination with the School Director to advance the UCRC while advancing the school's broader mission
- Conduct research in support of the mission of the Urban Climate Research Center and SGSUP more broadly
- Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate level that support the needs of our students in Geography, GIS, and/or Urban Planning
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:
- A PhD or terminal degree in Geography, Atmospheric Science, GIS, Remote Sensing, Urban Planning, or a related field.
- A demonstrated record suitable for appointment as an associate or full Professor in SGSUP.
- Evidence of research accomplishments and methodological strengths relevant to the missions of the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning and the Urban Climate Research Center.
Desired Qualifications:
- Evidence of effective teaching and mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate students in geography, GIS/remote sensing, urban planning, or related disciplines.
- Experience participating in, supporting, and/or leading cross-university multidisciplinary research initiatives.
- Demonstrated success in developing competitive external funding proposals and obtaining external funding support.
- Demonstrated experience teaching online and/or developing online educational materials.
- Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, and student communities, as well as stakeholders including government agencies, non-profit organizations, community-based groups, and the public at large to advance the principles of the ASU Charter.
Application Instructions The application deadline is
November 8, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following application materials:
- A cover letter explaining the candidate's professional experience, interest in, fit with the position, and vision of how their work will advance ASU's Charter (3-page limit)
- A Curriculum Vitae
- Contact information (name, title, affiliation, email, and telephone number) for three professional references. Note: we will not contact references until the final stage of interviews, and only after informing the applicant
Questions related to the search may be addressed to Dr. David Hondula, Search Committee Chair, at [redacted].
